On My Nightstand: Culinary Tales

I’ve been spending the few moments of free time I have, in the kitchen lately. Making more whole food recipes from scratch and savoring my quiet culinary escapes. To be honest, I find cooking from scratch is just simpler. There have been lots of egg dishes, baked pastas, morning muffins and grilled vegetables, all from fresh seasonal produce and a few pantry staples. Here are some cookbooks I’ve been enjoying as my companions.

Food in Jars – Love this book. I am obsessed with canning right now, and read this entire book in one sitting. Some of my favorite recipes are Three Citrus Marmalade and Ginger Walnut Granola. And I can’t wait for rhubarb to come into season at our farmers market so I can try her Rhubarb Syrup! She suggests adding it to Prosecco or cut melon. Yum!

An Everlasting Meal – This books is a lesson in feeding ourselves well. It’s beautifully written. The New York Times sums it up perfectly, “Reads less like a cookbook than like a recipe for a delicious life.” It’s now available in paperback as well.

Farm-Fresh Recipes – Possibly the best Blueberry Muffin recipe I have ever tasted. I’ve made them twice. I’ve long been a fan of Heather Cameron, and her book is interspersed with photos of her adorable daughter, simple, fresh recipes, and her witty commentary. It’s a fun cookbook to read. Next on my list is to make her Lemon Curd!

Vegetable Literacy – To me, Deborah Madison is the authority on cooking vegetables and plant based foods. Her vast knowledge and experience make this the definitive resource on how vegetables relate to one another and hundreds of ways to prepare them. It will make you see greens in a whole new way.

Do you have any favorites lately? Would love to get some recommendations from you!